Devices With Optically Readable Liquid Reservoirs

ABSTRACT

A device includes a lower reservoir surface, an upper reservoir surface, and a reservoir sidewall extending between the upper and lower reservoir surfaces which together define a reservoir. The reservoir is configured to be completely filled by a liquid such that the liquid forms a column contacting the upper reservoir surface, the lower reservoir surface, and the reservoir sidewall, with a meniscus of the liquid being outside of the reservoir. At least one of the upper reservoir surface and the lower reservoir surface is configured to transmit light.

RELATED APPLICATION

The current application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No.62/722,029 filed on Aug. 23, 2018, the contents of which are herebyfully incorporated by reference.

FIELD

This application relates to devices with liquid reservoirs.

BACKGROUND

It can be useful to read out information optically from liquid samples,for example by shining laser light into a liquid sample and sensinglight from the liquid sample, wherein information about the sample canbe determined from the sensed light.

SUMMARY

Devices with optically readable liquid reservoirs, and methods of makingand using the same, are provided herein.

In a first aspect, a device includes a lower reservoir surface, an upperreservoir surface, and a reservoir sidewall extending between the upperand lower reservoir surfaces which together define a reservoir. Thereservoir is configured to be completely filled by a liquid such thatthe liquid forms a column contacting the upper reservoir surface, thelower reservoir surface, and the reservoir sidewall, with a meniscus ofthe liquid being outside of the reservoir. At least one of the upperreservoir surface and the lower reservoir surface is configured totransmit light.

A channel can be coupled to the reservoir sidewall. With such anarrangement, the meniscus can be located within the channel. A wellfluidically can be coupled to the reservoir via the channel such thatthe meniscus is located within the well.

An assay chamber fluidically can be coupled to the reservoir via thechannel. The assay chamber can include an inlet. The assay chamber canhave a reagent disposed therein. The reagent can be configured to reactwith liquid received in the assay chamber via the inlet. The channel canbe configured to transmit the liquid from the assay chamber to thereservoir responsive to application of a force (e.g., centrifugal force,a gas source, etc.) to the assay chamber.

A rotatable disc can be provided in which the reservoir is disposed.Rotating such disc can generate centrifugal force.

The assay chamber can include a lower assay chamber surface, an upperassay chamber surface, and an assay chamber sidewall extending betweenthe upper and lower assay chamber surfaces. The assay chamber sidewallcan include a first portion extending substantially perpendicularly tothe upper and lower assay chamber surfaces. The assay chamber sidewallcan include a second portion extending at an angle (e.g., an obtuseangle, etc.) from the lower assay chamber surface.

The liquid can be conveyed upward along the second portion and into thechannel responsive to application of force.

In some variations, the assay chamber sidewall and the reservoirsidewall can be integrally formed with one another. In other variations,the upper assay chamber surface and the upper reservoir surface can beintegrally formed with one another and attached to the integrally formedassay chamber sidewall and the reservoir sidewall. In still othervariations, the lower assay chamber surface and the lower reservoirsurface can be integrally formed with one another and attached to theintegrally formed assay chamber sidewall and the reservoir sidewall. Infurther variations, all of the assay chamber sidewall, the channel, andthe reservoir sidewall can be integrally formed with one another.

Further, the assay chamber sidewall and the reservoir sidewall can bediscrete elements. The upper assay chamber surface and the upperreservoir surface can be discrete elements. The lower assay chambersurface and the lower reservoir surface can be discrete elements. Theassay chamber sidewall, the channel, and the reservoir sidewall can bediscrete elements.

The channel and the sidewall can be integrally formed with one another.The channel and the sidewall can be discrete elements.

The lower reservoir surface, the upper reservoir surface, and thesidewall can be discrete elements attached to one another.

The reservoir sidewall can define a circular, rectangular, square, orirregular cross section of the reservoir.

The device can include a source of light such as, for example, a laser,light emitting diode, or lamp. The source of the light can be positionedover the upper reservoir surface and configured to transmit the lightthrough (e.g., laterally through, etc.) the upper reservoir surface. Thesource of the light further can be configured to transmit the lightthrough the column and then through the lower reservoir surface. Thesource of the light can be positioned under the lower reservoir surfaceand be configured to transmit the light through the lower reservoirsurface. The source of the light further can be configured to transmitthe light through the column and then through the upper reservoirsurface.

The device can include a sensor configured to receive (and characterize)the light transmitted through the at least one of the upper reservoirsurface and the lower reservoir surface. The sensor can be positioned ina variety of locations. For example, the sensor can be positioned overthe upper reservoir surface and be configured to receive the lightthrough the upper reservoir surface. The sensor can be positioned underthe lower reservoir surface and be configured to receive the lightthrough the lower reservoir surface.

The light can be generated by, for example, fluorescence orchemiluminescence.

Reagents that can be used with the device include an antibody, enzyme,or particle.

The reservoir can have varying volumes. For example, the reservoir canhave a volume of about 1-200 μL, or about 10-100 μL, or about 15-50 μL,or about 10-30 μL, or about 5-20 μL.

The device can house or otherwise characterize a wide variety ofliquids. For example, the liquid can be a bodily fluid such as wholeblood, blood plasma, blood cells, urine, and/or spit. The liquid can bea food sample, a water sample, a purified nucleic acid, a pharmaceuticalcompound, a buffer, and/or a reagent.

In another aspect, a reservoir can be filled (e.g., completely filled,substantially filled, etc.) with a liquid. The reservoir can include alower reservoir surface, an upper reservoir surface, and a reservoirsidewall extending between the upper and lower reservoir surfaces. Theliquid forms a column contacting the upper reservoir surface, the lowerreservoir surface, and the reservoir sidewall. A meniscus of the liquidis located outside of the reservoir. Light is transmitted through atleast one the upper reservoir surface and the lower reservoir surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1B respectively schematically illustrate cross-sectional andplan views of an exemplary device with an optically readable liquidreservoir, according to various configurations provided herein.

FIGS. 2A-2C schematically illustrate cross-sectional views of exemplarydevices with an optically readable liquid reservoir, a light sensor, andan optional light source, according to various configurations providedherein.

FIGS. 3A-3B schematically illustrate cross-sectional views of exemplarydevices with wells attached to optically readable reservoirs, accordingto various configurations provided herein.

FIGS. 4A-4C schematically illustrate views of alternative devices withan optically readable liquid reservoir, according to variousconfigurations provided herein.

FIGS. 5A-5C schematically illustrate perspective and plan views ofcomponents of an alternative device with an optically readable liquidreservoir, according to various configurations provided herein.

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a plan view of a device includingmultiple of the devices of FIGS. 5A-5C, according to variousconfigurations provided herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary flow of operations in a method of usingthe devices of FIGS. 1A-6, according to various configurations providedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Devices with optically readable liquid reservoirs, and methods of makingand using the same, are provided herein. The present devices canfacilitate obtaining information from liquid samples by providing areservoir that can be completely filled with liquid such that a meniscusof the liquid is outside of the reservoir. Location of the meniscusoutside of the reservoir can facilitate reading out informationoptically from the sample within that reservoir. For example, the liquidcan form a column within the reservoir that is bounded by top and bottomsurfaces and a sidewall of the reservoir. At least one of top and bottomsurfaces is at least partially transparent, thus permitting sensing oflight from or through the liquid and through the partially transparenttop and/or bottom surface(s) without that light being transmittedthrough the meniscus. As a comparison, transmission of such lightthrough a meniscus can alter the path focus, and other qualities of thelight, which can hinder read out of information.

FIGS. 1A-1B respectively schematically illustrate cross-sectional andplan views of an exemplary device with an optically readable liquidreservoir, according to various configurations provided herein. In FIGS.1A-1B, device 100 includes lower reservoir surface 110, upper reservoirsurface 120, and one or more reservoir sidewalls 130 extending betweenthe upper and lower reservoir surfaces 110. Lower reservoir surface 110,upper reservoir surface 120, and reservoir sidewall(s) 130 definereservoir 140. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, reservoir 140 is configured tobe completely filled by a liquid such that the liquid forms a columncontacting upper reservoir surface 120, lower reservoir surface 110, andreservoir sidewall 130, with a meniscus 150 of the liquid being outsideof the reservoir. By “completely filled” it is meant that the liquidcontacts substantially the entirety of reservoir 140, e.g.,substantially completely and directly contacts upper surface 120,substantially completely and directly contacts lower surface 110, andsubstantially completely and directly contacts sidewall(s) 130. Suchsubstantially complete and direct contact between the liquid and thesurface can include a relatively small area, for example 10% or less ofthat surface's area, in which a bubble or particle is interposed betweenthe liquid and that surface. Additionally, it should be appreciated thatthe liquid and meniscus 150 optionally need not be considered to formpart of the present device 100.

In FIGS. 1A-1B, an optional structure 160 is fluidically coupled toreservoir 140, e.g., via an opening 170 through sidewall(s) 130, andconfigured to receive meniscus 150. In FIG. 1B, the boundary ofreservoir 140 and opening 170 are indicated in dotted lines. It shouldbe appreciated that structure 160 can be, but need not necessarily beconsidered to form part of the present device 100. Structure 160 canhave any suitable configuration for receiving meniscus 150, for examplebut not limited to examples such as described in greater herein withreference to FIGS. 3A-3B and 5A-5C.

In configurations such as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1B, at least one ofthe upper reservoir surface 120 and lower reservoir surface 110 isconfigured to transmit light. As such, light from or through the topand/or bottom of the column of liquid within reservoir 140 can be sensedfrom outside of the reservoir so as to obtain information about thatliquid. For example, FIGS. 2A-2C schematically illustratecross-sectional views of exemplary devices with an optically readableliquid reservoir, a light sensor, and an optional light source,according to various configurations provided herein.

In the exemplary configuration illustrated in FIG. 2A, device 200includes lower reservoir surface 210, upper reservoir surface 220, andreservoir sidewall(s) 230 defining a reservoir 240 configured similarlyas described with reference to FIGS. 1A-1B. Device 200 optionally alsocan include source 280 of light, which can be configured so as totransmit light into reservoir 240 via the upper reservoir surface 220 orlower reservoir surface 210. Examples of source 280 of light include,but are limited, to a laser, light emitting diode, or lamp (such as ahalogen, mercury, or xenon lamp). The light generated by source 280 canbe narrowband or broadband, and can be coherent or incoherent.Additionally, the light can have any suitable wavelength(s), for examplein the infrared, visible, or ultraviolet regions of the spectrum. Inconfigurations such as illustrated in FIG. 2A, source 280 of the lightoptionally is positioned over upper reservoir surface 220 and configuredto transmit the light through the upper reservoir surface 220.Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, source 280 of the light furtheroptionally can be configured to transmit the light through the column ofliquid within reservoir 240 and then through the lower reservoir surface210. In such configurations, both upper reservoir surface 220 and lowerreservoir surface 210 can be at least partially optically transparent.Additionally, it should be appreciated that source 280 can be located atany suitable position relative to reservoir 240. For example, in analternative configuration, source 280 of the light optionally can bepositioned under the lower reservoir surface 210 and configured totransmit the light through the lower reservoir surface 210. As a furtheroption of such a configuration, source 280 of the light further can beconfigured to transmit the light through the column of liquid withinreservoir 270 and then through the upper reservoir surface 220. In suchconfigurations, both upper reservoir surface 220 and lower reservoirsurface 210 can be at least partially optically transparent.

Referring still to the exemplary configuration illustrated in FIG. 2A,device 200 optionally further can include sensor 290 configured toreceive the light transmitted through the upper reservoir surface 220and/or lower reservoir surface 210. Sensor 290 can have any suitableconfiguration, such as a photodetector, photodiode, photomultiplier,charge coupled device, and the like, and can be configured to generatean electrical signal based on light received from or through the liquidwithin reservoir 240. Information about the liquid can be obtained basedon such an electrical signal. For example, in FIG. 2A, sensor 290 ispositioned under the lower reservoir surface 210 and is configured toreceive the light through the lower reservoir surface 210, which lightcan be generated by source 280. In an alternative configuration such asnoted above in which source 280 of the light is positioned under lowerreservoir surface 210, sensor 290 optionally can be positioned over theupper reservoir surface 220 and configured to receive the light throughthe upper reservoir surface 220. In any such configuration, note thatmeniscus 250 is located outside of reservoir 240, e.g., within structure260. As such, meniscus 250 is outside of the optical path 281 betweensource 280 and sensor 290 and therefore does not interfere withoptically obtaining information about the liquid.

Note that information about the liquid can be obtained in a variety ofsuitable configurations, not all of which require “transmission-mode”arrangements of the light source and/or sensor such as described abovewith reference to FIG. 2A, which can be considered to be arrangements.For example, FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary device 200′ includingelement 280′ located above upper reservoir surface 220 and configured totransmit light to and/or receive light from liquid within reservoir 240only through upper reservoir surface 220. Alternatively, element 280′can be located below lower reservoir surface 210 and configured totransmit light to and/or receive light from liquid within reservoir 240only through lower reservoir surface 210. For example, element 280′optionally can include a light source (which can be configured similarlyas light source 280 described with reference to FIG. 2A) and/oroptionally can include a sensor (which can be configured similarly assensor 290 described with reference to FIG. 2A). In configurations whereelement 280′ includes both a light source and a sensor, element 280′optionally can include at least one optic that both transmits light fromthe light source and receives light from the liquid within reservoir240. In one exemplary configuration, element 280′ is or includes aconfocal microscope.

As another example, FIG. 2C illustrates an exemplary device 200″including source 280″ of light and sensor 290″, both of which arelocated above upper reservoir surface 220 and respectively configured totransmit light to and receive light from liquid within reservoir 240only through upper reservoir surface 220. Alternatively, source 280″ oflight and sensor 290″ both can be located below lower reservoir surface210 and respectively configured to transmit light to and receive lightfrom liquid within reservoir 240 only through lower reservoir surface210. Source 280″ can be configured similarly as light source 280described with reference to FIG. 2A, and sensor 290″ can be configuredsimilarly as sensor 290 described with reference to FIG. 2A. Theconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 2C can be considered to be a“reflection-mode” configuration.

In some configurations such as exemplified by FIGS. 2A-2C, light can begenerated by a suitable light source, e.g., 280, 280′, or 280″ and canbe received by a suitable sensor, e.g., 290, 280′, or 290″ whichgenerates an electrical signal based upon which information about theliquid within reservoir 240 can be obtained. For example, the light canbe partially or fully absorbed by the liquid within reservoir 240generating an interpretable signal within the electrical signalgenerated by the sensor, and information about the liquid can beobtained by analyzing the electrical signal. As another example, thelight can cause the liquid within reservoir to fluoresce, suchfluorescence generating an interpretable signal within the electricalsignal generated by the sensor, and information about the liquid can beobtained by analyzing the electrical signal. However, a light sourceneed not necessarily be required in order to obtain information aboutthe liquid within reservoir 240 via light that the sensor receives. Forexample, the light can be generated by chemiluminescence of the liquid,such chemiluminescence generating an interpretable signal within theelectrical signal generated by the sensor, and information about theliquid can be obtained by analyzing the electrical signal. Othersuitable configurations for obtaining and analyzing light from liquidwithin reservoir 240 can be implemented.

As noted above with reference to FIGS. 1A-1B, the present devices caninclude or be coupled to another structure 160 within which the liquid'smeniscus can be located. For example, FIGS. 3A-3B schematicallyillustrate cross-sectional views of exemplary devices with wellsattached to optically readable reservoirs, according to variousconfigurations provided herein. In the exemplary configurationillustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B, device 300 includes lower reservoir surface310, upper reservoir surface 320, and reservoir sidewall(s) 330 defininga reservoir 340 configured similarly as described with reference toFIGS. 1A-1B. Device 300 optionally also can include a source of lightand/or sensor configured similarly as described with reference to FIGS.2A-2C.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B, device 300 optionally can include channel360 coupled to reservoir sidewall 330. In some configurations, device300 optionally further includes a well 341 that is fluidically coupledto the reservoir 340 via the channel 360. The meniscus 350 can have anysuitable location within device 300. For example, in some configurationssuch as illustrated in FIG. 3A, meniscus 350 is located within the well341, while in other configurations such as illustrated in FIG. 3B,meniscus 350 is located within the channel 360.

Optionally, well 341 can be or include an assay chamber. By “assaychamber” it is meant a reservoir in which a liquid can be assayed, e.g.,mixed with one or more reagents with which the liquid chemically and/orbiologically reacts to generate a change in the liquid that can bedetected optically (e.g., using a sensor such as described withreference to FIGS. 2A-2C). For example, in configurations such asillustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B, well 341 can define an assay chamber 341that is fluidically coupled to reservoir 340 via channel 360. The assaychamber optionally can include an inlet 371, and as a further option caninclude a reagent 380 within the assay chamber 341. Reagent 380 can beconfigured to react with liquid which is received in the assay chamber341 via the inlet 371. The reagent 380 can be dry or wet prior toaddition of the liquid via inlet 371. As illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B,reagent 380 can be dispersed throughout or dissolved in the liquid.Exemplary reagents include, but are not limited to, an antibody, enzyme,or particle. However, note that use of reagent is optional, in whichcase element 341 may be considered simply to be a well.

Note that liquid added into assay chamber 341 (which also can beconsidered a well), e.g., via inlet 371, may not necessarily flow underits own power into reservoir 340 via channel 360. In someconfigurations, channel 360 is configured to convey the liquid from theassay chamber to the reservoir responsive to application of a force toassay chamber 341. For example, device 300 can include a source of gas(not specifically illustrated) configured to apply the force via thegas. Such gas can be introduced to assay chamber 341 via inlet 371 andcan force liquid through channel 360 and into reservoir 340 so as tocompletely fill the reservoir in a manner such as described withreference to FIGS. 1A-1B. In other exemplary configurations, the forcecan include a centrifugal force. For example, device 300 can include arotatable disc in which reservoir 340 is disposed, wherein rotating thedisc generates the centrifugal force. An exemplary rotatable disc isdescribed herein with reference to FIG. 6.

In the nonlimiting configuration illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B, assaychamber 341 (which also can be considered a well) can include lowerassay chamber surface 311, upper assay chamber surface 321, and assaychamber sidewall(s) 331 extending between the upper and lower assaychamber surfaces 321, 311. Any suitable combination of lower assaychamber surface 311, upper assay chamber surface 321, assay chambersidewall(s) 331, channel 360, lower reservoir surface 310, upperreservoir surface 320, and reservoir sidewall(s) 330 can be formed asdiscrete elements that are attached to one another, or can be integrallyformed with one another, and can have any suitable shape and dimensions.In a nonlimiting example, reservoir 340 and/or well 341 each can have avolume of about 1-200 or about 10-100 or about 15-50 or about 10-30 orabout 5-20 μL. As used herein, “about” means within 10% of the statedvalue.

Note that in configurations in which meniscus 350 is located within well341 such as shown in FIG. 3A, the meniscus can be oriented substantiallyparallel to the upper and/or lower surfaces 321, 311, and can have asurface area similar to that of the lower surface 311 and/or uppersurface 321 as a result of gravitational effects. In comparison, inconfigurations in which meniscus 350 is located within channel 360 suchas shown in FIG. 3B, the meniscus can be oriented substantiallyperpendicularly to the length of the channel, and can have a surfacearea similar to that of the height and width of the channel as result ofsurface tension and capillary action. In such a configuration, theliquid can have a smaller meniscus and can experience a lower rate ofevaporation in the configuration of FIG. 3B relative to that in theconfiguration of FIG. 3A.

FIGS. 4A-4C schematically illustrate views of alternative devices withan optically readable liquid reservoir, according to variousconfigurations provided herein. In the nonlimiting configuration ofdevice 400 illustrated in FIG. 4A, lower assay chamber surface 411,assay chamber sidewall(s) 431, lower surface of channel 460, lowerreservoir surface 410, and reservoir sidewall(s) 330 are integrallyformed with one another, while upper assay chamber surface 421, uppersurface of channel 460, and upper reservoir surface 420 are integrallyformed with one another. Referring again to FIGS. 3A-3B, assay chambersidewall(s) 331 and reservoir sidewall(s) 330 optionally can beintegrally formed with one another in a manner similar to that of assaychamber sidewall(s) 431 and reservoir sidewall(s) 430, while othersuitable components of device 300 can be integrally formed with oneanother or discrete from one another For example, the upper assaychamber surface 321 and the upper reservoir surface 320 optionally canbe integrally formed with one another in a manner such as illustrated inFIG. 4A and can be attached to such an integrally formed assay chambersidewall(s) 331 and reservoir sidewall(s) 330. As another example, lowerassay chamber surface 311 and lower reservoir surface 310 can beintegrally formed with one another in a manner such as illustrated inFIG. 4A and attached to such an integrally formed assay chambersidewall(s) 331 and reservoir sidewall(s) 330. In still other examples,assay chamber sidewall 331, one or more surfaces of channel 360, andreservoir sidewall 330 can be integrally formed with one another in amanner such as illustrated in FIG. 4A. In yet other configurations,assay chamber sidewall(s) 331 and reservoir sidewall(s) 330 optionallycan be discrete elements in a manner such as illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B.As a further option, upper assay chamber surface 321 and upper reservoirsurface 320 can be discrete elements and/or lower assay chamber surface311 and lower reservoir surface 310 can be discrete elements in a mannersuch as illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B. Additionally or alternatively,optionally assay chamber sidewall(s) 331, one or more surfaces ofchannel 360, and reservoir sidewall(s) 330 can be discrete elements in amanner such as illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B.

Referring still to FIGS. 3A-3B, note that channel 360 and assay chamber(well) 341 each are optional. If present, such features can beintegrally formed with, or discrete from, one or more features ofreservoir 340 which features also can be integrally formed with, ordiscrete from, one another. For example, one or more surfaces (andoptionally all surfaces) of optional channel 360 and sidewall 330 can beintegrally formed with one another, or can be discrete elements. In thenonlimiting configuration illustrated in FIG. 4B, lower reservoirsurface 410′, upper reservoir surface 420′, and reservoir sidewall(s)430′ are all formed integrally with one another. In anotherconfiguration, lower reservoir surface 410′, upper reservoir surface420′, and sidewall(s) 430′ are discrete elements attached to one anotherin a manner such as illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B.

Additionally, reservoir sidewall(s) and assay chamber (well) sidewall(s)such as provided herein can have any suitable cross section. Forexample, the sidewall(s) of the reservoir and/or assay chamber candefine a circular, rectangular, square, or irregular cross section ofthe reservoir and/or assay chamber. A non-limiting example suchsidewall(s) defining a rectangular cross-section is illustrated in FIG.1B, and such a cross-section similarly can be defined by the sidewall(s)of the assay chamber (well). FIG. 4C illustrates a circular crosssection that can be defined by sidewall(s) of the reservoir 430″ and/orassay chamber 431″.

Still other variations of the present devices readily can be envisioned.For example, FIGS. 5A-5C schematically illustrate perspective and planviews of components of an alternative device 500 with an opticallyreadable liquid reservoir, according to various configurations providedherein. In the exemplary configuration illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C,device 500 includes a lower reservoir surface (not specificallyillustrated), upper reservoir surface (not specifically illustrated),and reservoir sidewall(s) 530 defining a reservoir 540 configuredsimilarly as described with reference to FIGS. 1A-1B. Device 500optionally also can include a source of light and/or sensor configuredsimilarly as described with reference to FIGS. 2A-2C.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C, device 500 optionally can include channel560 coupled to reservoir sidewall 530. In some configurations, device500 optionally further includes a well 541 that is fluidically coupledto the reservoir 540 via the channel 560. The meniscus (not specificallyillustrated) can have any suitable location within device 500. Forexample, in some configurations similar to those illustrated in FIG. 3A,the meniscus is located within the well 541, while in otherconfigurations similar to those illustrated in FIG. 3B, meniscus 350 islocated within the channel. Optionally, well 541 can be or include anassay chamber configured in a manner similar to that described withreference to FIGS. 3A-3B. The assay chamber optionally can include aninlet 571, and as a further option can include a reagent (notspecifically illustrated) within the assay chamber 541 which isconfigured to react with liquid which is received in the assay chamber541 via the inlet 571.

In the nonlimiting configuration illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C, assaychamber 541 (which also can be considered a well) can include lowerassay chamber surface 511, upper assay chamber surface (not specificallyillustrated), and assay chamber sidewall(s) 531 extending between theupper and lower assay chamber surfaces. Any suitable combination oflower assay chamber surface 511, upper assay chamber surface (notspecifically illustrated), assay chamber sidewall(s) 531, channel 360,lower reservoir surface (not specifically illustrated), upper reservoirsurface (not specifically illustrated), and reservoir sidewall(s) 530can be formed as discrete elements that are attached to one another orcan be integrally formed with one another in a manner such as describedwith reference to FIGS. 3A-3B and 4A-4B, and can have any suitable shapeand dimensions in a manner such as described with reference to FIGS.1A-1B and 4C. In some variations, the device 500 can include a cover 550and/or a bottom surface 570 as shown in FIG. 5C.

In the exemplary configuration illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C, assay chambersidewall 531 optionally includes a first portion 532 extendingsubstantially perpendicularly to the upper and lower assay chambersurfaces. Optionally, assay chamber sidewall 531 includes a secondportion 533 extending at an angle (e.g., obtuse angle, etc.) from thelower assay chamber surface 511. Responsive to application of a forcesuch as described herein with reference to FIGS. 3A-3B, liquid that isdeposited within assay chamber 541 can be conveyed upward along thesecond portion and into the channel. For example, FIG. 6 schematicallyillustrates a plan view of a device 600 including multiple of thedevices 500 of FIGS. 5A-5C, according to various configurations providedherein. More specifically, devices 500 can be disposed within arotatable disc configured so as to be centrifugally spun at a sufficientrate to transfer liquid disposed within assay chamber 541 into reservoir540 for optical analysis.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary flow of operations in a method of usingthe devices of FIGS. 1A-6, according to various configurations providedherein. Method 700 illustrated in FIG. 7 can include completely fillinga reservoir with a liquid (710). The reservoir can include a lowerreservoir surface; an upper reservoir surface; and a reservoir sidewallextending between the upper and lower reservoir surfaces, e.g., such asdescribed with reference to FIGS. 1A-1B, 3A-3B, 4A-4C, and 5A-5C. Duringoperation 710, the liquid forms a column contacting the upper reservoirsurface, the lower reservoir surface, and the reservoir sidewall, and ameniscus of the liquid can be located outside of the reservoir, e.g.,such as described with reference to FIGS. 1A-1B, 3A-3B, 4A-4C, and5A-5C. Method 700 illustrated in FIG. 7 also can include transmittinglight through at least one the upper reservoir surface and the lowerreservoir surface (720), for example such as described with reference toFIGS. 2A-2B.

Optionally, the device used in method 700 can have any suitableconfiguration and combination of features such as described withreference to FIGS. 1A-6. For example, a channel optionally can becoupled to the reservoir sidewall. The meniscus optionally can belocated within the channel. In various optional configurations, thechannel and the sidewall can be integrally formed with one another, orcan be discrete elements. Additionally, or alternatively, optionally thelower reservoir surface, the upper reservoir surface, and the sidewallare discrete elements attached to one another. Additionally, oralternatively, the reservoir sidewall defines a circular, rectangular,square, or irregular cross section. In various optional configurations,the reservoir has a volume of about 1-200 or about 10-100 μL, or about15-50 or about 10-30 μL, or about 5-20 μL.

In some optional configurations, a well optionally can be fluidicallycoupled to the reservoir via the channel, wherein the meniscusoptionally can be located within the well. An assay chamber optionallycan be fluidically coupled to the reservoir via the channel. The assaychamber optionally can include an inlet. A reagent optionally can bewithin the assay chamber. Optionally, the reagent includes an antibody,enzyme, or particle.

In some configurations, method 700 optionally further includes receivingthe liquid in the assay chamber via the inlet, and reacting the liquidwith the reagent in the assay chamber. Additionally, method 700optionally includes applying a force to the assay chamber, andconveying, by the channel, the liquid from the assay chamber to thereservoir responsive to application of the force. The force optionallycan include a centrifugal force. For example, the reservoir optionallycan be disposed in a rotatable disc, wherein applying the force includesgenerating the centrifugal force by rotating the disc. As anotherexample, the force optionally can be applied via a gas.

Optionally, in the device used in method 700, the assay chamber includesa lower assay chamber surface, an upper assay chamber surface, and anassay chamber sidewall extending between the upper and lower assaychamber surfaces. The assay chamber sidewall optionally includes a firstportion extending substantially perpendicularly to the upper and lowerassay chamber surfaces. The assay chamber sidewall optionally includes asecond portion extending at an angle (e.g., obtuse angle, etc.) from thelower assay chamber surface. Optionally, method 700 includes, responsiveto application of the force, the liquid being conveyed upward along thesecond portion and into the channel.

Additionally, or alternatively, in the device used in method 700 theassay chamber sidewall and the reservoir sidewall optionally areintegrally formed with one another. As a further option, the upper assaychamber surface and the upper reservoir surface can be integrally formedwith one another and attached to the integrally formed assay chambersidewall and the reservoir sidewall. Optionally, the lower assay chambersurface and the lower reservoir surface are integrally formed with oneanother and attached to the integrally formed assay chamber sidewall andthe reservoir sidewall. In various optional configurations of the deviceused in method 700, the assay chamber sidewall, the channel, and thereservoir sidewall can be integrally formed with one another. In variousoptional configurations of the device used in method 700, the assaychamber sidewall and the reservoir sidewall can be discrete elements. Invarious optional configurations of the device used in method 700, theupper assay chamber surface and the upper reservoir surface can bediscrete elements. In various optional configurations of the device usedin method 700, the lower assay chamber surface and the lower reservoirsurface can be discrete elements. In various optional configurations ofthe device used in method 700, the assay chamber sidewall, the channel,and the reservoir sidewall can be discrete elements.

Optionally, method 700 includes generating the light of operation 720.Optionally, the light can be generated by a laser, light emitting diode,or lamp. Optionally, method 700 includes transmitting the light into thecolumn through the upper reservoir surface. As a further option, method700 further can include transmitting the light through the column andthen through the lower reservoir surface. Alternatively, method 700optionally can include transmitting the light into the column throughthe lower reservoir surface. As a further option, method 700 can includetransmitting the light through the column and then through the upperreservoir surface.

Additionally, or alternatively, method 700 further can includereceiving, by a sensor, the light transmitted through the at least oneof the upper reservoir surface and the lower reservoir surface. Forexample, the sensor optionally receives the light through the upperreservoir surface. As another example, the sensor optionally receivesthe light through the lower reservoir surface. Additionally, oralternatively, optionally the light is generated by fluorescence orchemiluminescence

Note that devices such as described herein with reference to FIGS. 1A-6and methods such as described herein with reference to FIG. 7 suitablycan be used to read out information from any type of liquid. Onenonlimiting example of a liquid is a bodily fluid, such as whole blood,blood plasma, blood cells, urine, or spit. Other nonlimiting examples ofa liquid include a food sample or a water sample. In yet anotherexample, the liquid can include a purified nucleic acid. In stillanother example, the liquid can include a pharmaceutical compound.Additionally, or alternatively, the liquid can include a buffer orreagent. Such buffer or reagent optionally can be mixed with one or moreother liquids such as exemplified herein. In one specific, nonlimitingexample, the liquid includes blood plasma which is mixed with a bufferand with a reagent within an assay chamber such as described herein withreference to FIGS. 3A-3B, 4A, or 5A-5C prior to using centrifugal forceto move the mixture into a read well for optical analysis.

The present devices can be constructed using any suitable materials orcombination of materials, such as any suitable combination of polymer,glass, metal, and semiconductor. Additionally, the present devices canbe constructed using any suitable fabrication technique(s), such asmolding, 3D printing, machining, laminate assemblies, thermoforming,chemical or laser etching, casting, and/or hot embossing.

It will be appreciated that the current subject matter provides manyadvantages. For example, the designs provided herein can limit the rateof evaporation by restricting the surface area of the fluid that is incontact with air. In particular, the current designs can constrict theair interface (meniscus) to the channel or to another area outside thereservoir such as the well.

As another example, the liquid reservoir designs provided herein canlimit the movement of beads (used to capture analytes such as smallmolecules, proteins, nucleic acids, etc.) in solution when the reservoiris filled with fluid. Such an arrangement is advantageous for imagingpurposes as it is desirable for the beads to not move during the imagingprocess. Beads in solution in the read chamber will settle over time topartially cover the bottom surface of the reservoir. Given that the beadsolution is incompressible, and there is no head room in the reservoir,the fluid and beads in solution do not substantially move when theliquid reservoir is spun (i.e., by centrifugal force, etc.) or isotherwise agitated. This arrangement allows for beads in solution withinthe reservoir to be effectively imaged even when a device including suchreservoir (e.g., disc-shaped cassette, etc.) is in motion.

In the descriptions above and in the claims, phrases such as “at leastone of” or “one or more of” may occur followed by a conjunctive list ofelements or features. The term “and/or” may also occur in a list of twoor more elements or features. Unless otherwise implicitly or explicitlycontradicted by the context in which it is used, such a phrase isintended to mean any of the listed elements or features individually orany of the recited elements or features in combination with any of theother recited elements or features. For example, the phrases “at leastone of A and B;” “one or more of A and B;” and “A and/or B” are eachintended to mean “A alone, B alone, or A and B together.” A similarinterpretation is also intended for lists including three or more items.For example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C;” “one or more ofA, B, and C;” and “A, B, and/or C” are each intended to mean “A alone, Balone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, orA and B and C together.” In addition, use of the term “based on,” aboveand in the claims is intended to mean, “based at least in part on,” suchthat an unrecited feature or element is also permissible.

The subject matter described herein can be embodied in systems,apparatus, methods, and/or articles depending on the desiredconfiguration. The implementations set forth in the foregoingdescription do not represent all implementations consistent with thesubject matter described herein. Instead, they are merely some examplesconsistent with aspects related to the described subject matter.Although a few variations have been described in detail above, othermodifications or additions are possible. In particular, further featuresand/or variations can be provided in addition to those set forth herein.For example, the implementations described above can be directed tovarious combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed featuresand/or combinations and subcombinations of several further featuresdisclosed above. In addition, the logic flows depicted in theaccompanying figures and/or described herein do not necessarily requirethe particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirableresults. Other implementations may be within the scope of the followingclaims.

What is claimed:
 1. A device comprising: a lower reservoir surface; anupper reservoir surface; and a reservoir sidewall extending between theupper and lower reservoir surfaces, wherein: the lower reservoirsurface, the upper reservoir surface, and the reservoir sidewall definea reservoir, the reservoir is configured to be completely filled by aliquid such that the liquid forms a column contacting the upperreservoir surface, the lower reservoir surface, and the reservoirsidewall, with a meniscus of the liquid being outside of the reservoir,and at least one of the upper reservoir surface and the lower reservoirsurface is configured to transmit light.
 2. The device of claim 1,further comprising a channel coupled to the reservoir sidewall.
 3. Thedevice of claim 2, wherein the meniscus is located within the channel.4. The device of claim 2, further comprising a well fluidically coupledto the reservoir via the channel, wherein the meniscus is located withinthe well.
 5. The device of claim 2, further comprising an assay chamberfluidically coupled to the reservoir via the channel.
 6. The device ofclaim 5, wherein the assay chamber comprises an inlet.
 7. The device ofclaim 6, further comprising a reagent within the assay chamber.
 8. Thedevice of claim 7, wherein the reagent is configured to react withliquid received in the assay chamber via the inlet.
 9. The device ofclaim 8, wherein the channel is configured to convey the liquid from theassay chamber to the reservoir responsive to application of a force tothe assay chamber.
 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the forcecomprises a centrifugal force.
 11. The device of claim 10, furthercomprising a rotatable disc in which the reservoir is disposed, whereinrotating the disc generates the centrifugal force.
 12. The device ofclaim 9, further comprising a source of gas configured to apply theforce via the gas.
 13. The device of claim 9, wherein the assay chamberincludes a lower assay chamber surface, an upper assay chamber surface,and an assay chamber sidewall extending between the upper and lowerassay chamber surfaces.
 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the assaychamber sidewall includes a first portion extending substantiallyperpendicularly to the upper and lower assay chamber surfaces.
 15. Thedevice of claim 14, wherein the assay chamber sidewall includes a secondportion extending at an obtuse angle from the lower assay chambersurface.
 16. The device of claim 15, wherein responsive to applicationof the force, the liquid is conveyed upward along the second portion andinto the channel.
 17. The device of claim 13, wherein the assay chambersidewall and the reservoir sidewall are integrally formed with oneanother.
 18. The device of claim 17, wherein the upper assay chambersurface and the upper reservoir surface are integrally formed with oneanother and attached to the integrally formed assay chamber sidewall andthe reservoir sidewall.
 19. The device of claim 17, wherein the lowerassay chamber surface and the lower reservoir surface are integrallyformed with one another and attached to the integrally formed assaychamber sidewall and the reservoir sidewall.
 20. The device of claim 13,wherein the assay chamber sidewall, the channel, and the reservoirsidewall are integrally formed with one another.
 21. The device of claim13, wherein the assay chamber sidewall and the reservoir sidewall arediscrete elements.
 22. The device of claim 21, wherein the upper assaychamber surface and the upper reservoir surface are discrete elements.23. The device of claim 21, wherein the lower assay chamber surface andthe lower reservoir surface are discrete elements.
 24. The device ofclaim 13, wherein the assay chamber sidewall, the channel, and thereservoir sidewall are discrete elements.
 25. The device of claim 2,wherein the channel and the sidewall are integrally formed with oneanother.
 26. The device of claim 2, wherein the channel and the sidewallare discrete elements.
 27. The device of claim 1, wherein the lowerreservoir surface, the upper reservoir surface, and the sidewall arediscrete elements attached to one another.
 28. The device of claim 1,wherein the reservoir sidewall defines a circular, rectangular, square,or irregular cross section of the reservoir.
 29. The device of claim 1,further comprising a source of the light.
 30. The device of claim 29,wherein the source of the light comprises a laser, light emitting diode,or lamp.
 31. The device of claim 29, wherein the source of the light ispositioned over the upper reservoir surface and configured to transmitthe light through the upper reservoir surface.
 32. The device of claim31, wherein the source of the light further is configured to transmitthe light through the column and then through the lower reservoirsurface.
 33. The device of claim 29, wherein the source of the light ispositioned under the lower reservoir surface and configured to transmitthe light through the lower reservoir surface.
 34. The device of claim33, wherein the source of the light further is configured to transmitthe light through the column and then through the upper reservoirsurface.
 35. The device of claim 1, further comprising a sensorconfigured to receive the light transmitted through the at least one ofthe upper reservoir surface and the lower reservoir surface.
 36. Thedevice of claim 35, wherein the sensor is positioned over the upperreservoir surface and is configured to receive the light through theupper reservoir surface.
 37. The device of claim 35, wherein the sensoris positioned under the lower reservoir surface and is configured toreceive the light through the lower reservoir surface.
 38. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the light is generated by fluorescence orchemiluminescence.
 39. The device of claim 7, wherein the reagentcomprises an antibody, enzyme, or particle.
 40. The device of claim 1,wherein the reservoir has a volume of about 1-200 μL, or about 10-100μL, or about 15-50 μL, or about 10-30 μL, or about 5-20 μL.
 41. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the liquid comprises a bodily fluid.
 42. Thedevice of claim 41, wherein the bodily fluid comprises whole blood,blood plasma, blood cells, urine, or spit.
 43. The device of claim 1,wherein the liquid comprises a food sample or a water sample.
 44. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the liquid comprises a purified nucleic acid.45. The device of claim 1, wherein the liquid comprises a pharmaceuticalcompound.
 46. The device of claim 1, wherein the liquid comprises abuffer or reagent.
 47. A method comprising: completely filling areservoir with a liquid, the reservoir comprising: a lower reservoirsurface; an upper reservoir surface; and a reservoir sidewall extendingbetween the upper and lower reservoir surfaces; wherein the liquid formsa column contacting the upper reservoir surface, the lower reservoirsurface, and the reservoir sidewall; wherein a meniscus of the liquid islocated outside of the reservoir; and transmitting light through atleast one the upper reservoir surface and the lower reservoir surface.48. The method of claim 47, wherein a channel is coupled to thereservoir sidewall.
 49. The method of claim 48, wherein the meniscus islocated within the channel.
 50. The method of claim 48, wherein a wellis fluidically coupled to the reservoir via the channel, wherein themeniscus is located within the well.
 51. The method of claim 48, whereinan assay chamber is fluidically coupled to the reservoir via thechannel.
 52. The method of claim 51, wherein the assay chamber comprisesan inlet.
 53. The method of claim 52, wherein a reagent is within theassay chamber.
 54. The method of claim 53, further comprising: receivingthe liquid in the assay chamber via the inlet; and reacting the liquidwith the reagent in the assay chamber.
 55. The method of claim 54,further comprising: applying a force to the assay chamber; andconveying, by the channel, the liquid from the assay chamber to thereservoir responsive to application of the force.
 56. The method ofclaim 55, wherein the force comprises a centrifugal force.
 57. Themethod of claim 56, wherein the reservoir is disposed in a rotatabledisc, wherein applying the force comprises generating the centrifugalforce by rotating the disc.
 58. The method of claim 55, wherein theforce is applied via a gas.
 59. The method of claim 55, wherein theassay chamber includes a lower assay chamber surface, an upper assaychamber surface, and an assay chamber sidewall extending between theupper and lower assay chamber surfaces.
 60. The method of claim 59,wherein the assay chamber sidewall includes a first portion extendingsubstantially perpendicularly to the upper and lower assay chambersurfaces.
 61. The method of claim 60, wherein the assay chamber sidewallincludes a second portion extending at an obtuse angle from the lowerassay chamber surface.
 62. The method of claim 61, wherein responsive toapplication of the force, the liquid is conveyed upward along the secondportion and into the channel.
 63. The method of claim 59, wherein theassay chamber sidewall and the reservoir sidewall are integrally formedwith one another.
 64. The method of claim 63, wherein the upper assaychamber surface and the upper reservoir surface are integrally formedwith one another and attached to the integrally formed assay chambersidewall and the reservoir sidewall.
 65. The method of claim 63, whereinthe lower assay chamber surface and the lower reservoir surface areintegrally formed with one another and attached to the integrally formedassay chamber sidewall and the reservoir sidewall.
 66. The method ofclaim 59, wherein the assay chamber sidewall, the channel, and thereservoir sidewall are integrally formed with one another.
 67. Themethod of claim 59, wherein the assay chamber sidewall and the reservoirsidewall are discrete elements.
 68. The method of claim 67, wherein theupper assay chamber surface and the upper reservoir surface are discreteelements.
 69. The method of claim 67, wherein the lower assay chambersurface and the lower reservoir surface are discrete elements.
 70. Themethod of claim 58, wherein the assay chamber sidewall, the channel, andthe reservoir sidewall are discrete elements.
 71. The method of claim48, wherein the channel and the sidewall are integrally formed with oneanother.
 72. The method of claim 48, wherein the channel and thesidewall are discrete elements.
 73. The method of claim 47, wherein thelower reservoir surface, the upper reservoir surface, and the sidewallare discrete elements attached to one another.
 74. The method of claim47, wherein the reservoir sidewall defines a circular, rectangular,square, or irregular cross section.
 75. The method of claim 47, furthercomprising generating the light.
 76. The method of claim 75, wherein thelight is generated by a laser, light emitting diode, or lamp.
 77. Themethod of claim 75, further comprising transmitting the light into thecolumn through the upper reservoir surface.
 78. The method of claim 77,further comprising transmitting the light through the column and thenthrough the lower reservoir surface.
 79. The method of claim 75, furthercomprising transmitting the light into the column through the lowerreservoir surface.
 80. The method of claim 79, further comprisingtransmitting the light through the column and then through the upperreservoir surface.
 81. The method of claim 47, further comprisingreceiving, by a sensor, the light transmitted through the at least oneof the upper reservoir surface and the lower reservoir surface.
 82. Themethod of claim 81, wherein the sensor receives the light through theupper reservoir surface.
 83. The method of claim 81, wherein the sensorreceives the light through the lower reservoir surface.
 84. The methodof claim 47, wherein the light is generated by fluorescence orchemiluminescence
 85. The method of claim 53, wherein the reagentcomprises an antibody, enzyme, or particle.
 86. The method of claim 47,wherein the reservoir has a volume of about 1-200 μL, or about 10-100μL, or about 15-50 μL, or about 10-30 μL, or about 5-20 μL.
 87. Themethod of claim 47, wherein the liquid comprises a bodily fluid.
 88. Themethod of claim 87, wherein the bodily fluid comprises whole blood,blood plasma, blood cells, urine, or spit.
 89. The method of claim 47,wherein the liquid comprises a food sample or a water sample.
 90. Themethod of claim 47, wherein the liquid comprises a purified nucleicacid.
 91. The method of claim 47, wherein the liquid comprises apharmaceutical compound.
 92. The method of claim 47, wherein the liquidcomprises a buffer or reagent.
 93. A blood analysis apparatuscomprising: means for completely filling a reservoir with a liquidcomprising a blood sample, the reservoir having a lower reservoirsurface, an upper reservoir surface, and a reservoir sidewall extendingbetween the upper and lower reservoir surfaces, the liquid forming acolumn contacting the upper reservoir surface, the lower reservoirsurface, and the reservoir sidewall; means for positioning a meniscus ofthe liquid outside of the reservoir; means for transmitting lightthrough at least one the upper reservoir surface and the lower reservoirsurface; and means for characterizing the blood sample.